The BBC has said it will make direct contact with police to provide full support over the "disturbing allegations" made about abuse involving Sir Jimmy Savile.

It comes after an historic rape allegation made against the entertainer was referred to Scotland Yard by officers in Surrey.

A spokesman for the BBC said: "A number of serious and disturbing allegations have been made over the past few days about the sexual abuse of teenage girls by Jimmy Savile.

"Some of these allegations relate to activity on BBC premises in the 1960s and 70s. We are horrified by allegations that anything of this sort could have happened at the BBC - or have been carried out by anyone working for the BBC.

"They are allegations of a serious criminal nature which the police have the proper powers to investigate. So we have today asked the BBC investigations unit to make direct contact with all the police forces in receipt of allegations and offer to help them investigate these matters and provide full support to any lines of inquiry they wish to pursue."

A spokeswoman for Surrey Police said: "A woman yesterday reported an historic allegation of rape. The alleged offence occurred in London, therefore the matter has been referred to the Metropolitan Police."

It was also revealed on Tuesday Jersey and Surrey police both investigated accusations made against the entertainer about alleged abuse in two children's homes, but decided there was not enough evidence to proceed.